Practical geotechnical advice for complex sites.
Site-specific engineering and engineering geology for development, consenting and construction.
Cohesive Geotechnical provides practical, site-specific engineering solutions for complex geotechnical and geological problems.
Grounded advice from investigation to completion.
We help property owners, developers, consultants and project teams understand ground conditions, manage geotechnical risk and move forward with confidence.
From early feasibility through to design, consenting and construction support, our advice is practical, timely and aligned with New Zealand standards, council requirements and local ground conditions.
Our work includes
We help with geotechnical investigations, natural hazard assessments, liquefaction assessments, slope stability assessments, earthworks monitoring, construction support and due diligence reporting.
Geotechnical investigations and reporting
Geotechnical investigations provide critical information about subsurface ground conditions before development begins. They help identify soil, rock and groundwater conditions that may influence foundation design, earthworks, slope stability and overall site suitability.
Our investigation methods may include hand augers, window sampling, dynamic cone penetrometer testing, shear vane testing, test pit excavations, machine boreholes, SPT testing and geophysical investigations.
We then interpret the results and provide clear, practical recommendations to support design, consenting and construction.
Natural hazard assessments
Natural hazard assessments identify ground-related risks that may impact proposed developments or existing assets.
These assessments are commonly required for subdivision applications, building consents, hillside developments and sites affected by known or potential hazards.
We assess hazards including landslides, debris flows, rockfall, flooding and active fault mapping, with practical guidance to support safe development and long-term ground performance.
Liquefaction assessments
Liquefaction assessments help determine how ground conditions may respond during seismic events, and what this could mean for development, foundations and long-term site performance.
We use industry-approved software and specialised testing methods to assess liquefaction risk for residential and commercial projects.
Where required, we provide ground improvement and foundation recommendations in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code.
Slope stability assessments
Slope stability assessments are essential for developments on sloping terrain or sites where land instability may affect existing or proposed structures.
We use site-specific ground investigations, LiDAR and survey data, and industry-leading geotechnical software to assess slope performance under static, elevated groundwater and seismic conditions.
Our recommendations may support foundation design, retaining wall design, earthworks planning and risk mitigation.
Earthworks and construction monitoring
Earthworks and construction monitoring provides quality assurance during construction, confirming that work is completed in accordance with project requirements and geotechnical recommendations.
We support building platforms, subdivisions and larger site developments through services such as subgrade verification, nuclear densometer testing, Clegg hammer testing, pile hole inspections and temporary stability advice.
Where required, we also provide earthworks certification and supporting documentation for council compliance and project sign-off.
Due diligence assessments
Due diligence assessments provide an early understanding of geotechnical risk before purchasing, selling, subdividing or developing a property.
These assessments may include desktop review, site walkovers, hazard identification, review of existing geotechnical information and initial geotechnical testing.
They are commonly used by property buyers, developers, real estate agents, planners and investors who need practical insight into site constraints before making a significant decision.
Understand the site and project goals
We begin by reviewing the site, proposed works, known constraints and required outcomes.
Plan the right investigation
We select investigation methods suited to the site, risk profile, development stage and level of reporting required.
Investigate ground conditions
We carry out site-specific testing, logging and assessment using appropriate field methods and trusted subcontractors where specialist input is required.
Assess risks and constraints
We assess relevant geotechnical and geological risks, including slope stability, liquefaction, natural hazards, groundwater conditions and earthworks considerations.
Provide practical recommendations
We deliver clear reporting and buildable advice to support design, consenting, construction planning and decision-making.
Support delivery and sign-off
Where required, we provide monitoring, testing, inspections, certification and construction-phase advice through to project completion.
We provide practical, buildable solutions backed by thorough investigations and responsive service.
Our approach is practical, technically sound and tailored to the realities of each site. We work closely with property owners, developers, designers, contractors and project teams to provide clear advice at the right stage of the project.
We are large enough to support a wide range of project types, but small enough to remain personal, responsive and directly involved.
Need responsive geotechnical advice from a team that understands real site constraints?
Our work spans residential, commercial, and development sites across the lower North Island. Our project experience includes:
Ground investigations
Machine boreholes, window sampling, hand augers, test pits and site-specific geotechnical investigations across a variety of terrain and project scales.
Residential and subdivision development
Site suitability reporting, building platform assessments, subdivision support, earthworks recommendations and construction-stage advice.
Slip and hazard assessment
Slip investigations, slope stability assessments, natural hazard reviews and remedial works advice for sites affected by land instability.
Earthworks monitoring
Subgrade verification, batter inspections, engineered fill monitoring and construction support for building platforms, subdivisions and larger site developments.
Testing and compliance
Nuclear densometer testing, Clegg hammer testing, pile hole inspections, earthworks certification and council sign-off support.
Specialist investigations
CPT testing, geophysical investigations, machine boreholes and collaboration with trusted subcontractors for more complex sites.
Cohesive Geotechnical was established in 2022 and is a growing New Zealand consultancy focused on delivering practical, site-specific ground engineering solutions.
Since then, we have built a strong reputation for responsive service and technically robust, practical advice.
Our philosophy is simple: provide clear answers, buildable solutions and support projects from investigation through to completion. We combine geotechnical engineering and engineering geology expertise to identify risks, manage constraints and give clients confidence in the ground they are building on.
Our team includes experienced technicians who undertake a wide range of detailed site investigations. We have also developed strong relationships with trusted subcontractors, allowing us to provide broad regional coverage and access to specialised investigation and testing methods.
Our directors
Nathan is a director and qualified engineering geologist with extensive experience delivering complex engineering and geotechnical projects from investigation through to construction and completion.
Away from engineering, Nathan enjoys strength training, walking his dog and following a wide range of sports while enjoying a well-deserved brew.
Maika is an engineering geologist with a strong interest in practical, site-focused geotechnical work. He enjoys understanding how ground conditions, geology, landform processes and construction constraints interact, and applying that understanding to provide clear and reliable advice for clients.
Outside of work, Maika is usually found near the coast, with spearfishing being his main way to switch off. His interest in the natural environment carries through into his professional work, where he brings a hands-on and considered approach to engineering geology.